JACQUELINE DE ROSE-AHERN “The more you keep writing and sharing, the more you will learn, develop and grow.”
Kelly’s Writerly Q&A February Author Interview is with Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern, an international award-winning children’s author from Sri Lanka who currently lives in Canberra, Australia. She’s already published three books and 2025 is going to be another huge year for Jacqueline, with six Ariana Treasure books coming out. Today we are talking about the first two books in her new series due for release on the 5th of March, The Missing Book and The Secret Ingredient. And as the founder and director of Story Creators Community, dedicated to assisting aspiring creatives on their journey, I cannot wait to chat! Welcome Jacqueline!
Kelly: Thanks for taking the time to answer some writerly questions. Congratulations on such a huge publishing year! Your fourth and fifth children’s books kick off your new Ariana Treasure book series very soon, what’s The Missing Book and The Secret Ingredient about?
Jacqueline: Thank you for this opportunity, Kelly. The Missing Book introduces Ariana Treasure. Ariana loves helping her mum at the Treasure Chest, the best thrift shop in town! She likes to find the perfect item for her friends. Ariana is great at problem-solving and often saves the day with her quick thinking and thoughtful spirit.
In The Missing Book, Ariana attempts to make a friend with a new kid in town, but he wants nothing to do with her. She tries to find the perfect item to help him settle into the community, however, at the same time, her favourite book goes missing. Ariana manages to find a solution but goes through a few challenges to get there. The story explores the themes of empathy, loss, and the power of understanding others’ feelings.
The Secret Ingredient is about a food truck competition. Ariana’s friends Hunter and Jake want to help their parents make the perfect dish in their food truck to win the competition. The only problem is the two boys don’t believe they can cook. Ariana helps them find the secret ingredient to make a standout dish. Does it all go to plan? You need to read the book to find out. The story explores themes around teamwork, cooperation, family and friendship.
Kelly: There’s so much that could happen in a thrift store, what a brilliant setting! What inspired you to write this series of junior fiction stories?
Jacqueline: Growing up, my mum would volunteer at a local charity shop/thrift shop. I used to go along with her. I loved how the shop would bring the community together. It was here that I also learned the true benefits of thrift shops in reducing waste, promoting sustainable consumer habits and supporting a circular economy. I also liked the idea of upcycling and the thrill of the hunt when it came to preloved shopping. I began to see the positives for our environment and the community.
Today, I still like swapping items with friends, family and others in the community. Items that I may no longer use or need, soon become treasured possessions for others. This was the concept behind Ariana Treasure and the Treasure Chest.
Kelly: How beautiful that you have core memories of being in a thrift store with your mum! That kind of authenticity on the page is special! How long did it take to write each book and the series as a whole?
Jacqueline: I was excited to write this series. The concept has been bubbling within me for some time so when I had the opportunity to write, the words flew onto the page. However, one of the challenges I faced was finding time to write. Sometimes life can be a juggle! Once I did carve out the time the books were written within a couple of months. Each book took a few days to write but then I spent time editing, sharing them with my writing buddies and reviewing them before submitting. The key is finding that quality writing time where you will be uninterrupted, especially when you have the idea, and a plan all set out.
From writing to publishing it has taken about a year or so.
Kelly: Editing is always the most time-consuming. What does your typical day of writing look like?
Jacqueline: As mentioned, it can be a juggle to find the time to write – balancing a day job, motherhood etc. so when I get a day to write I embrace it. I treasure it – pardon the pun. I tend to be by myself, my lovely husband or parents take the kids for a while. I will make a cup of coffee, and I also love having chocolate nearby. Then, I just sit at my computer and allow myself to get swept up in the words. I don’t necessarily plan out exactly what I’m going to write. I usually have an idea that guides me, but I allow the words to just flow and then I’ll go back and edit. It’s actually fun discovering the story and uncovering my characters as I go along. I also like to move – whether it be taking a walk or having an impromptu dance party in my living room – getting away from my desk midway through the day is important. I find it reignites my creativity.
Kelly: Chocolate is a must and uninterrupted writing time is a treasure! Let’s talk about querying and publishing, how did you get your yes?
Jacqueline: I love this question! So, when I started my writing journey with my Charlie’s Adventures… picture book series I honestly had no idea what I was doing. Like, I literally said to a friend, “I want to write a book,” and I fumbled through it. But I learned a lot along the way. Those books were partner-published and although there are a lot of sharks out there and you must do your research, my experience went well, and these books really helped launch me into the writing arena. From those stories, my third book, Aussie Kids: Meet Matilda at the Festival came about because I bravely put myself out there at a conference. I had a manuscript assessment with a lovely editor from Penguin Random House Australia and she supported me and my vision for my books. She also acknowledged my efforts as a hybrid author – knowing I was putting a lot of work into marketing all my books. That whole experience was such a magical one for me. A real dream come true. Working with the team at Wombat Books has been so special too. I submitted my Ariana Treasure stories to the slush pile, and it was picked up! It does happen.
My advice to any aspiring author is to put yourself out there – do the manuscript assessments, query, make connections, research, and attend the conferences. I think the more you do, the more you learn, and the more support shows up for you.
Kelly: Great advice! There’s nothing like celebrating a publishing win but I believe it’s even more important to talk about what came before, can you share a rejection story?
Jacqueline: I have so many, and I think most authors have. I think with rejection, you just learn it is a part of the process and for me, I tend to move on quickly. I try not to dwell on it, especially as writing is a very important part of who I am, and I just want to keep creating. I think rejection also offers an opportunity to refine your work and make it the best. Taking time to look at any feedback and letting the story rest for a moment because it could also be about timing, can help.
I don’t have one single rejection story, but I do have a cautionary tale, I worked with one publisher who liked my concept for a story but required me to recast the story several times. When they were finally happy with it, I shared the story with a trusted writer friend. She pointed out the story didn’t even seem like mine anymore. The recasting had taken the heart out of my story. When I realised that, I had to pull the plug on the project. As sad as it was to walk away from a potential published story, it just didn’t feel right. Fast forward to now, the Ariana Treasure series features my original story from that cautionary tale. After that experience, I always tell my writer friends, “Stay true to you and write the story YOU want to write.” When you lose the heart of your story, it’s time to walk away.
Kelly: This is so interesting, I haven’t heard anyone talk of this before. Thank you for sharing. As the founder and director of Story Creators Community, how important do you think it is for writers to connect with a community?
Jacqueline: It’s so important! Writing can be very lonely. Especially in those early days of venturing down the author path, a community can really help. I’m so lucky to have my writing buddies. They are there to brainstorm ideas, find solutions to challenges, celebrate the wins, overcome the rejections and just have fun with! Having a community of like-minded people who are inclusive and supportive really helps you nurture your creativity and reach any goal.
Kelly: Writing buddies are the best! I agree, it’s so important to connect with like-minded people. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Jacqueline: Just write. Just write and put your work out there. Submit where you can. Share where you can.
The more you keep writing and sharing, the more you will learn, develop and grow.
Keep taking those brave little steps. For me, I battled a lot with the negative voices in my head trying to persuade me to just give up, but I pushed past it. Digging deep and being courageous where I could. Finding your tribe is also important, those who are on a similar journey and are of course supportive of yours. It’s where you will get genuine guidance and direction for the next steps.
Kelly: Yes! Those who don’t give up and write beyond fear or doubt will succeed. What are you currently reading and loving?
Jacqueline: Keeping with children’s books. I’m currently reading The Midwatch by Judith Rossell. A lot of friends have been recommending this book to me and I can see why. It’s so hard to put it down. It’s filled with excitement and is a touching story. Highly recommend.
Kelly: Oh lovely, my daughter read her Stella Montgomery series when she was younger. So, what can we expect from you next?
Jacqueline: I’m going to enjoy sharing the Ariana Treasure books this year. It looks like there will be a new book in the series released every other month for the rest of the year. So, lots of sharing, I think.
I am also always writing. I can’t stop. There’s always something in the works or a new idea bubbling away. I have a few projects in the works, all in the children’s fiction space for now. I hope that you stay tuned.
Kelly: How exciting for Junior Fiction readers! You are going to be very busy and I’ll definitely stay tuned. Thanks so much for your time.
